Ian Noe is one of the most underrated artists in the business right now.
A native of Beattyville, Kentucky, Noe is one of the many rising stars coming out of Appalachia, and more specifically, Eastern Kentucky.
From older legends like Loretta Lynn and Keith Whitley to some of today’s greats like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and Tyler Childers, the eastern part of the Bluegrass State has always been a breeding ground for country music greatness.
Now, among many others, artists like Cole Chaney, Nicholas Jamerson, and Noe continue to carry on the tradition.
As an artist at the forefront of the Appalachian country scene, most of Noe’s music deals with the subjects, people, and experiences he has encountered in his life living in the region. Noe seamlessly paints pictures of these things through his descriptive songwriting, and aided by his authenticity, his distinctly appealing vocals are the icing on the cake.
When all of these traits come together in his music, it is sure to leave behind goosebumps and a lasting impression.
With the release of his sophomore and most recent album River Fools and Mountain Saints back in March, Noe has solidified his place at the forefront of the Appalachian country scene, and as one of the best storytellers in all of music.
And when I first listened to River Fools and Mountain Saints, one of the songs that immediately jumped out to me was “Appalachia Haze.”
In true Ian Noe fashion, “Appalachia Haze” is steeped in Appalachian aura and eerily tells the story of what life is like for some of the region’s residents. With each verse telling the story of a new person, Noe brings these characters to life through his spectacular lyricism.
Not too long ago, Noe took to Instagram to announce that he is “excited to start rolling out some acoustic videos from River Fools & Mountain Saints” now that it has been a few months since the album’s release.
The first of these videos is an intimate acoustic rendition of “Appalachian Haze,” and it is an absolutely must watch.
See it for yourself.
